Elementary school girls practice ballet folklorico, which is offered through
San Juan Capistrano’s recreation courses. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

While SDG&E Reaches
Actress, Producer Rita
out to Public on Upgrades, Wilson takes up Singing
Protestors Raise Concerns
at the Coach House
EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

GETTING OUT/PAGE 16

INSIDE:

Check Out Our
Tri-City Guide to
Summer Fun

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE
Southern California Edison wrapped up its
inspections of the steam generator tubes at
the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station,
the utility company informed the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission last week.
But news of the completed inspections came
as the power plant disclosed a small electrical
fire in a non-nuclear part had been extinguished Friday, April 20. No one was injured
in the blaze, but SCE did declare an “unusual
event,” the lowest of four regulatory declarations. Both Unit 2 and Unit 3 at the power
plant have been offline since January. After
discovering premature wear, investigators
had been testing the tubes and generators to
pinpoint the cause of the problems.
The NRC has said it will not allow SCE to
return its reactors to service until satisfied the
safety of the plant is ensured.

DANA POINT

NEWS

NEXT
DOOR
WH AT ’S GO I N G O N I N
OU R NE IG H B O R I N G
TOW N S

A Superior Court judge on Friday denied
Surfrider Foundation’s motion to find the City
of Dana Point in contempt for refusing to allow
24-hour beach access through two gates at
the Strand at Headlands neighborhood while
awaiting the city’s court of appeals hearing on the matter. Surfrider attorney Angela
Howe said her organization is disappointed by
court’s decision because the public will be denied maximum access to Strand Beach while
awaiting the appeal. City Attorney Patrick
Munoz called the decision vindication that, in
essence, confirms Dana Point has been acting
in a fair and lawful manner with regard to
maintaining the gates and enforcing nighttime
closure hours. The decision means the gates
and posted hours will remain in place until the
city’s appeal is heard; most likely some time
late this summer or fall.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...
1

…Monday’s Earthquake?

THE LATEST: A magnitude 3.9 earthquake
rocked south Orange County at 10:37 a.m.
Monday.
The United States Geological Survey
reported quake’s epicenter was 1.4 miles
west-southwest of San Juan Capistrano at a
depth of 3.6 kilometers.
No damage was reported from surrounding cities or the San Onofre Nuclear
Generating Station.
According to Bill Bryant, senior engineering geologist for the California Geological Survey, the quake was triggered
by the San Joaquin Hills thrust, which
lies along the coast from Newport Mesa
to Dana Point. The fault is similar to the
type of blind thrust fault that triggered the
Northridge, San Fernando Valley quake
nearly two decades ago, he said.
WHAT’S NEXT: “We believe the fault has
the potential to produce a quake in the
range of magnitude 6.7 to 7,” Bryant said.
City and county authorities advised residents that the temblor should serve as a
reminder to get prepared for earthquakes
and other emergencies.
FIND OUT MORE: See www.thecapistranodispatch.com. — Andrea Swayne

2

... SDG&E’s Upgrades?

THE LATEST: An open house to showcase
San Diego Gas & Electric’s planned upgrades in San Juan Capistrano also drew a
handful of protestors concerned about the
effects of the project on the neighborhood.
The utility plans to raze its 1920s substation at Camino Capistrano and Calle
Bonita and replace it with two buildings
of up to 50 feet in height, to upgrade its
The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

transmission lines and swap out existing
towers with taller steel structures.
But protestor Clint Worthington had
problems with the higher voltage lines
and the project’s potential to increase
electromagnetic fields. He preferred
SDG&E place the lines underground and
questioned the need to increase transmission line capacity.
Despite the protestors, overall feedback from the dozens of residents who
attended was positive, SDG&E spokesman Duane Cave said. He would have
preferred naysayers come inside and ask
questions of the experts inside.
Jim Turman, a project manager in
SDG&E’s safety services department,
said the company worked to reduce electromagnetic fields in its designs where
possible.
But Mayor Larry Kramer said he left
with questions like why SDG&E hadn’t
offered alternatives to the project, why
the size had to be so big and why lines
couldn’t be placed underground.

every level in the district on notice that
their jobs could also be nixed at the end
of the school year.
The funding gap resulted, in part,
from reductions in the state budget and
the loss of one-time federal funds, said
district spokesman Marcus Walton.
Dozens of classified workers, who
donned black to show their solidarity,
pleaded with the trustees to maintain
their positions.
“There’s still time to dig deep and look
further,” said Kim Jensen, who works at
San Juan Hills High School.

WHAT’S NEXT: Cave said SDG&E will
file its plans with the state’s public utility
commission in early May.

THE LATEST: Residents and city officials
are questioning the need for safety
modifications at the Del Obispo Street
railroad crossing, after the installation of
a special signal has caused frustrating
traffic delays.
The City Council took the Orange
County Transportation Authority to task
April 10, asking what could be done to
modify or completely remove the signals,
called queue cutters, at the crossing.
“The people who are stopped by those
lights are all on their phones right now
calling us and screaming at us,” said
Councilwoman Laura Freese.
Residents questioned the need for any
safety enhancements.
“I’ve never observed car accidents or
people being run over. I just question

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sdge.com/
southcounty. —Stacie N. Galang

3

… School Cuts?

THE LATEST: Faced with a funding gap of
$30 million to $50 million in the next fiscal year, the Capistrano School’s Board of
Trustees started taking more unpopular
cost-cutting steps this week.
Already, the district has notified 362
teachers their jobs may be cut, and
Wednesday night the board voted to put
another 167.5 classified employees at

WHAT’S NEXT: The budget gap could be
smaller if one of the two tax initiatives to
support schools passes in the November
election.
FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes.com for updates.
—Stacie N. Galang

4

Page 3

… Rail Crossing Delays?

why the City Council years ago would
even decide to do this,” said Frank Dohn,
an 18-year resident attending his first
council meeting in more than a decade.
WHAT’S NEXT: The city now wants to
determine whether the addition of queue
cutters at Del Obispo was called for at the
time the agreement was signed. OCTA
Deputy CEO Darrell Johnson insisted they
were.
He told the council they would have to
seek approval from the California Public
Utilities Commission to remove the queue
cutters but warned that it was a lengthy
process.
FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. —Brian Park

5

...Changes at City Hall?

THE LATEST: Principal Planner Bill
Ramsey, a 21-year city employee, has
been named the Assistant Development
Services Director. His duties will include
overseeing the city’s historic-preservation
program, and Ramsey’s appointment
calmed local historians concerned when
the city announced it was not filling the
historic preservation manager post.
In another City Hall change, City Engineer and Public Works Director Nasser
Abbaszadeh was let go from his post
last month. City officials cannot discuss
personnel issues. Abbaszadeh was earning
more than $200,000 annually.
WHAT’S NEXT: The city has not announced if it will fill Abbaszadeh’s job.
Sam Shoucair is acting Public Works
Director.
FIND OUT MORE: See www.sanjuancapistrano.org —Jonathan Volzke
www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Up and at ‘em
Summertime
Activities
When school lets out, options
abound for kids and parents.
By Andrea Swayne and Stacie Galang
The Capistrano Dispatch

S

ummertime, and the living’s easy?
Not necessarily for the thousands
of kids who take up any one of the region’s diverse summer camps or dive into
the city’s recreation activities, which are
chock full of options from outdoor adventures and folk dancing to Lego engineering
and performing arts.
While there’s nothing wrong with downtime, today’s campers take advantage of
the summer months for pursuits that pique
their imagination, challenge their athletic
skills and get them exploring.
“We’re looking for fun things to do that
the kids will enjoy,” said San Clemente’s
Recreation Manager Pamela Passow. “It’s
about really having a great time with your
friends.”
The programs reflect their community.
San Juan Capistrano’s summer recreation
features sports, equestrian and unique
ballet folklorico courses. San Clemente’s
programs range from adventure to surf
and ensure children keep active. Dana
Point gives participants the chance to be
creative and hone their skills.
UNIQUE CAPISTRANO
San Juan Capistrano’s summer programs will begin June 15 and continue
through September 15, said Cynthia Alexander, community services manager.
Alexander said the city tries to keep
programs family oriented. Courses range
from about $65 to $150. Consider the
four-week, basic horsemanship course,
which costs $40 and is offered through the
Ortega Equestrian Center.
“It’s very reasonable for the children
here in San Juan,” Alexander said. “It really is a very good program.”
She said the city tries to strike the balance between offering programs residents
will find enjoyable and keeping the costs to
a minimum to encourage participation.
“We try to meet the needs of the community basically so we’re able to provide
the service so people don’t have to go
outside the community,” Alexander said.
“Right now I know that we are working on
a very tight budget.”
San Juan offers classes for ballet, ballet
folklorico and sports like basketball and
basic equestrian skills, among dozens of
others. Adults can get into the action with
the popular ballroom dancing.
“Dancing is really big right now,” said
Gloria Ruelas, who’s overseeing San Juan’s
registration. “That’s why our dance classes
are kind of booming.”

The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

in Abrakadoodle thematic art enrichment
camps. “A Pirate’s Life” camp will focus
on art based on the ever-popular pirate
theme. With historic tall ships docked at
the Harbor and the many pirate-themed
activities that are always a part of the
annual Tall Ships Festival and Festival
of Whales, pirates are big draw for many
Dana Point youngsters.
Sports camps by Trifytt include a
Basketball Skillz Camp for ages 3 to 12
that teaches technique, tactics, teamwork,
sportsmanship and is a great way to prepare young athletes for participation in the
city’s youth basketball league. Irish Soccer
Camp is a popular choice for ages 4 to
14. The camp features Irish coaches and
includes a soccer jersey, ball, wristband
and certificate for all participants.
New for this summer are the Wilderness Adventures and Lego Engineering
Juanita Mendez leads a group of girls in ballet folklorico practice, which is offered through San Juan Capistrano’s
camps.
recreation courses at the Nydegger Building in the Old Fire Recreation Complex. Photo by Stacie N. Galang
Wilderness Adventurers will learn basic
camping and outdoor skills with weekly
San Juan had signups of 116 participants
place for kids to be dropped off. It’s a
themes like camping survival, wilderness
in 2011 summer classes, according to
place for children to have a great experidetectives and outdoor chefs. Although
Ruelas. The city contracts out most of its
ence, learning new skills and meeting new
focused on camping-related skills, the
classes to keep costs down, and receives a
friends.”
program is a daytime only camp.
percentage of the revenue to cover added
Last summer, 3,258 children particiBudding engineers from 5 to 12 years
expenses.
pated in San Clemente’s summer camps,
old will enjoy the new Lego Engineering
Marcella Moreno, program director of
and already nearly 400 have signed up so
Camp where they can have fun building
Ballet Folklorico of San Juan Capistrano,
far this year, according to Passow. One
cities, bridges, motorized vehicles while
helped start the dance program 22 years
participant came from as far as Texas to
learning concepts in physics, architecture,
ago that pays homage to the native dances
enroll in the city’s performing arts camp,
structural and mechanical engineering.
of Mexico. With the help of then librarian
which will put on Little Mermaid Junior
“We do our best to assemble the best
Jose Aponte and Al King, the city’s former
this summer, Passow said.
instructors and quality programs coverrecreational manager, the program was
With the addition of Vista Hermosa
ing many interesting topics that appeal to
born.
Sports Park, San Clemente’s aquatics
our wide variety of young residents,” said
“We put together a program and a budprograms can multiply to not only the traDana Point Recreation Supervisor Sherry
get, and it just took off,” Moreno said.
ditional summer swim courses but also to
Murphy.
In addition to teaching students the
camp specialties like synchronized swim
“We expect the new Lego Engineering
intricacies of dance, the courses also teach
and guard-in-training camp, which is simiCamps will be a big hit with the kids this
self-esteem and team work, she said. The
lar to the city’s junior lifeguard program
summer. We’ve heard positive feedback
program draws from schools throughout
but for municipal pools.
from neighboring cities like San Clemente
the city, giving participants the chance to
“The amenities are vast, and so we’re
that offer this program and are pleased
meet new friends.
able to offer programs we were not norto add it to our roster. After all, what kid
Teens, who started in the program, now
mally able to,” Passow said.
doesn’t like Lego’s?” said Murphy.
lead the courses year round, she said.
Jeanie Joseph, a San Clemente recreIn addition to the special summertime
The dancers have become fixtures at San
ational specialist, said the synchronized
offerings, the city also continues to run
Juan events, including the Swallows Day
swim camp she will teach for the first
its popular year-round classes in dance,
Parade. Hundreds of girls and boys from
time this summer would be 2 ½ hours
music, yoga, karate, gymnastics and more.
Capistrano have clicked their dance shoes,
of instruction over five days, including a
The city’s dance program with instructor
fanned their dresses and entertained audiperformance on the last day.
Francina Mans has stood the test of time.
ences from the grassroots dance program.
“I’m basically putting them through synMans has been teaching the award win“We’ve been competing for about our
chronized boot camp,” said Joseph, who
ning dance students for over 25 years.
10th year,” Moreno said.
has performed synchronized swim for 20
years and appeared on television hits like
GET GOING
HEALTHY HABITS
Glee. “They’ll learn a routine to music, and
In Dana Point, registration starts May
In San Clemente, the Beaches, Parks
they’ll probably work out muscles they
7 and summer camp rosters generally fill
and Recreation Department features more
never even knew they had.”
quickly so Murphy advises parents to plan
than 40 different types of summer camps
No matter the camp or program, the
early and sign up soon, either online at
and dozens of sessions, depending upon
theme of being active is always part of the
www.danapoint.org/recreation or by stopthe activity.
routine.
ping by the Community Center at 34052
San Clemente’s Active Adventure SumDel Obispo Street.
mer Camp, for example, is a daily camp
SPARK OF INTEREST
San Clemente has already started its
offered every week from late June to the
Dana Point also has a lengthy menu
signups, and residents can look through
end of August and gets participants out
of summer programs designed to suit its
the program at www.san-clemente.org/
of the house and into the water, onto the
vibrant community of young people, the
recreation.
hiking trails or around the neighborhood
longest running of which are AbrakadooCourses for San Juan Capistrano are still
for a stop at the local fire station.
dle art camps and sports related programs
being finalized, but its Hometown Happen“I think it’s really promoting a healthy
by Trifytt. Last year, 600 children signed
ings guide, which lists all the course offerenvironment for kids to have in the sumup for city recreation programs over the
ings, can be found on the city’s website at
mer that’s active and fun,” Passow said.
summer.
www.sanjuancapistrano.org. CD
“It’s fun. That’s the big thing. It’s not a
Young artists from 5 to 12 can take part
Page 4

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Stacie N. Galang

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

Catholic Bishop Honors Two
San Juan Businessmen
Diocese of Orange Bishop Tod D.
Brown honored two San Juan Capistrano
businessmen Wednesday, April 18 at the
Orange Catholic Foundation’s 10th annual
Conference on Business and Ethics. Randy
Redwitz, president of Robert R. Redwitz
& Co and Frank Kavanaugh, managing
partner at Fort Ashford Holdings, LLC received the award for Exemplary Business
Integrity.
“Our honorees have risen to prominence in their respective fields without
cost to their faith or personal integrity,”
Brown said. “They have demonstrated
that holding true to the values of fairness
and honesty can be a gateway to success
and not a hindrance; they serve as an
inspiration for others.”
The annual Conference on Business
and Ethics also serves as a fundraiser for
Catholic education in the diocese. The
event raised in excess of $150,000, and
the Fund a Need segment raised another
$120,000 in pledges and gifts.

Yard House CEO Speaks at
Shea Center
Along with business success comes a
responsibility to give back to the community that helped provide that success.
In return, giving back provides its own
reward.
That was the theme of Yard House
Restaurant’s president and CEO Harald
Herrmann’s keynote address at the annual

Business Leaders for Philanthropy Night in
San Juan Capistrano. Hosting the April 12
event at the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding
Center were the Orange County alumni
associations of the Harvard, Stanford, UC
Berkeley, UCI, UCLA and USC business
schools.
More than 200 local area business
and community leaders met in the Shea
Center’s Samueli Arena to network and
enjoy food and beverages. Guests had
an opportunity to tour the Shea Center
facilities and observe a demonstration
of therapeutic riding, which is provided
annually to over 500 clients with special
needs. Also attending were executives of
the Orange County and California Restaurant Association, of which Herrmann is
the current president.
The Shea Center is internationally respected and considered one of the finest
such facilities in the country. It serves riders from every corner of Orange County
and beyond with diagnoses such as
autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome,
developmental delay and over 55 other
physical and cognitive disabilities.
For more information on the Shea
Center, visit www.sheacenter.org or call
949.240.8441 ext. 109.

‘Steel Magnolias’ Arrives at
Camino Real Playhouse
Directed by Aidan A. Daguro, Steel
Magnolias continues its run at the Camino
Real Playhouse through Sunday, May
6. Robert Harling’s 1987 off-Broadway
sensation and subsequent film Steel

Randy Redwitz stands with Monsignor Lawrence Baird and Frank Kavanaugh. Redwitz and Kavanaugh were
honored at the Orange Catholic Foundation’s business and ethics conference. Courtesy photo

Magnolias is set in a beauty parlor in Chinquapin, La. Steel Magnolias illustrates how
the lives of six distinctly different women
interweave via the small town gossip that
shadows the unending cycle of birth, marriage and death.
The cast includes Teresa Rogers of Mission Viejo as M’Lynn, Lisa Black of Dana
Point as Ouiser, Rina Holden of San Clemente as Truvy, Gina Treasure of Mission
Viejo as Clairee, Megan Weaver of Irvine
as Shelby and Ashley Larson of Mission
Viejo as Annelle.
Tickets are $24 and an additional
$10 for premium seating. For ticket and
seating information, visit www.CaminoRealPlayhouse.org or call the box office at
949.489.8082.

Call for Players at City Cup
Charity Golf Tournament
The San Juan Chamber of Commerce
presents its 2012 City Cup and Charity
Challenge Golf Tournament Friday, May 4
at San Juan Hills Golf Course. The event
raises funds for charitable organizations
in the city and supports the chamber.
Players sign in at 11 a.m. followed by
lunch. Players hit the greens at 1 p.m., and
the event concludes with dinner at 6 p.m.
A foursome costs $550, which includes
golf, lunch and dinner for four. Single players pay $150. To register, visit the tournament website at www.sjccitycup.com.

experience. It’s a collection of fine foods
and produce for sale including: farm-fresh
fruits, vegetables and herbs, artisanal
breads, cheeses and chocolates, organic
grass-fed beef, fresh seafood and local
varietals of honey.
Chefs will be on-hand to demonstrate
recipes and provide samplings while nutritionists will be available to share advice
on how to buy better and eat healthier as
families. Last year’s Food Fare attracted
more than 1,000 visitors.

National Drug Take-Back Day
April 28 at City Hall
As part of a safety campaign to reduce
the risk of prescription drug abuse, the
newly formed San Juan Capistrano Police
Services Crime Prevention Unit is hosting
the National Drug Take-Back Day. San
Juan residents can dispose of their expired, unused or unwanted drugs anonymously. The event will give the public
an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and
theft by ridding their homes of potentially
dangerous expired prescription drugs.
Residents can drop off their medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall,
32400 Paseo Adelanto. This event is also
designed to prevent medications from
being dumped down the drain or flushed
down the toilet where they can enter the
sewer system and harm the environment.
For more information, visit the city’s website at sanjuancapistrano.org.

Food Fare Comes to
St. Margaret Episcopal

Riders at the Shea Center demonstrate the work done at the nonprofit during the Business Leaders for
Philanthropy Night April 12. Courtesy photo

The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

Chef Azmin Ghahreman, together
with Sapphire Culinary Group is holding
its Sapphire Food Fare April 28 from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Episcopal
School in San Juan Capistrano. Sapphire
Food Fare is a farmers market and culinary
Page 6

SJC
Sheriff’s
Blotter
COMPILED BY STACIE N. GALANG
All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s
Department website (www.ocsd.org). The calls represent what
was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true
nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No
assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the
content of the information provided.

Wednesday, April 25
HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR
Junipero Serra Road/Rancho Viejo Road
(1:48 p.m.) A 49-year-old man, listed as
a contractor, was arrested after a hit and
run accident.
DISTURBANCE
Paseo Santa Clara, 26500 Block (12:41
p.m.) A 28-year-old man, who listed his
occupation as a cook, was arrested after
a disturbance.

Sunday, April 22
DISTURBANCE
Interstate-5/Junipero Serra Road (10:32
p.m.) Deputies were called to the Shell
Gas Station on a report of a disturbance.
The culprits were gone when they arrived.
DISTURBANCE
Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (7:34
p.m.) An employee at a liquor store
called to report a drunken man.
DISTURBANCE
Country Hills Road, 29000 Block (5:56
p.m.) A parent called deputies about a
20-year-old son who was later arrested
and released.
GRAND THEFT REPORT
Via Buena Vista, 28700 Block (3:19
p.m.) A parent reported money stolen
after a party hosted by the caller’s
daughter.
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES
Paseo Adelanto, 32400 Block (1:47 p.m.)
Deputies were called to check a group
of five sitting next to the bridge at the
park behind city hall.
9-1-1 HANGUP
Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (12:30
p.m.) Someone kept calling 9-1-1 from a
payphone at El Nopal Market.
ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE
Camino Capistrano, 29200 Block (12:26
The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

p.m.) Twenty cars were parked in an
area posted as a no parking zone. A
caller wanted deputies to check it out.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON
Camino Lacouague/Via Buena Vista
(8:34 a.m.) A man was reported sleeping behind the wheel of a dark blue mini
van.
TRAFFIC HAZARD
Calle Chueca/Calle Resplendor (8:31
a.m.) A caller wanted deputies to
check out some sort of water leak that
appeared to be coming up from the
asphalt.
KEEP THE PEACE
Windsong Drive, 31500 Block (7:34
a.m.) Deputies were called to the San
Juan Hills Golf Course to keep the peace
while two people exchanged property.

DISTURBANCE
Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (9:49
p.m.) An employee of the Best Western
called about a disturbance.
9-1-1 HANGUP
Alipaz Street, 32100 Block (8:43 p.m.)
Children were playing with the phone.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS
Camino Las Ramblas/Montanas Del
Mar (6:45 p.m.) Deputies were called
about a group six people 3/4 of a mile
up the trail.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY
Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (7:44
p.m.) Deputies were called to assist an
animal control officer out in front of the
Pet Smart.

TRESPASSING
Calle Chueca, 30800 Block (5:14 p.m.)
A group of eight youths were in the pool
area unsupervised. Deputies spoke to
their parents.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY
Calle Delphina, 26500 Block (5:49 p.m.)
Deputies received a report about loud
music, and the caller asked if those playing the music would just turn down the
bass.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY
Calle Delphina, 26400 Block (11:23
p.m.) Loud music was reported coming
from an apartment. Deputies received
three calls over two hours.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE
Avenida Larga/Via Canela (7:05 a.m.)
A resident called about a 30-foot recreational vehicle parked in the neighborhood with someone sleeping inside.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY
Paseo Pamela, 26400 Block (10:51 p.m.)
A loud party was reported. Deputies
made no contact.

Friday, April 20

GENERAL BROADCAST
Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo (10:46
p.m.) The driver of a white Volkswagen
Passat was reported driving in all lanes
toward Ortega Highway and just turned
into the parking lot of El Adobe restaurant.
DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY
Del Obispo Street/Alipaz Street (10:31
p.m.) Loud music was reported possibly
coming from a nearby strip mall.
DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY
Avenida Placida, 28400 Block (10:27
p.m.) A caller phoned deputies about
loud party.

A caller phoned deputies to check on
three youths, age 17, in the area.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY
Calle San Francisco, 26500 Block (10:49
p.m.) Deputies were called about several
men who were drinking and being loud.
TRAFFIC STOP
Sundance Drive/Ortega Highway (10:15
p.m.) A 32-year-old man, a machinist,
was arrested after a traffic stop, and
two others with him at the time were
detained.
RECKLESS DRIVING
Del Obispo Street/Calle Aspero (9:20
p.m.) A caller reported four cars driving
recklessly on Del Obispo headed toward
San Juan Capistrano from Calle Aspero.
PEDESTRIAN CHECK
Calle Arroyo, 27300 Block (7:57 p.m.)

Page 9

DISTURBANCE
Paseo Adelanto, 31700 Block (3:06 p.m.)
Deputies were called to check the rear
area of the park near the playground.
DISTURBANCE
Horseshoe Bend, 27800 Block (4:40
a.m.) Loud music was reported coming from the backyard of a neighbor’s
house.

Thursday, April 19
STOLEN VEHICLE
Camino La Ronda, 28300 Block (8:52
p.m.) A car was reported stolen near the
cross streets of Calle Pinon and Calle
Los Elegantes.
SUSPICIOUS PERSONS
Paseo Carolina, 32000 Block (8:35 p.m.)
A man was harassing residents and possibly selling drugs near a community
laundry room.
DISTURBANCE
Camino Capistrano/Doheny Park (6:18
p.m.) A man at the Smart and Final was
disturbing the peace.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON
Camino Capistrano/Stonehill Drive
(3:27 p.m.) A caller wanted deputies to
check out a man in his 20s, headed in
the direction of Costco, who was carrying a bike and bike pump.
PETTY THEFT
Via Parra, 31200 Block (3:23 p.m.) A
woman’s purse was stolen from her car.
RECKLESS DRIVING
Alipaz Street/Del Obispo Street (12:39
p.m.) Deputies were called about a motorcycle racing up and down the street.
DISTURBANCE
Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (12:31 p.m.)
A 34-year-old unemployed man was arrested after a disturbance call was made.
www.thecapistranodispatch.com

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com
The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 10, Issue 8. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly by
Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may
be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of
unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Letters to the Community
IT’S DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN AND IT’S
WRONG

TOWN’S PETS IN JEOPARDY

—Marilyn O’Brien, Diane Thomas and Joan Thompson, copresidents League of Women Voters of Capistrano Bay Area

It was painfully shocking to read a recent newspaper
article exposing the number of pets being euthanized
at the Orange County animal shelter. Seventy-five
percent of cats and 25 percent of dogs don’t leave the
Orange County shelter alive.
Because San Juan Capistrano still does not have
its own no-kill shelter, our town’s lost and abandoned
pets end up at the county shelter. They would face the
same odds of never making it out alive if it weren’t for
the one remaining animal rescue group in town – The
Ark of San Juan. Since July 2011, when the other local
rescue group, CARE, announced it would no longer be
rescuing pets, The Ark of San Juan has had to pick up
the slack.
The good news: The Ark is doing a heroic job of saving our town’s abandoned pets. The bad news: Rescuing is a non-stop revolving door. The Ark is limited
in its efforts due to the lack of financial support and
availability of temporary foster homes. The Ark needs
your help.
Your financial donations will help cover rescued pets’
medical costs, food, boarding, spay and neutering and
more. As a nonprofit, The Ark does not pay salaries to
its board members or volunteers. Your donations go
directly to cover the rescued animals’ care and maintenance. Your financial donations are tax-deductible as
allowed by law.
As a temporary foster parent, you will be provided
with the pet food and supplies. All you need to give is
your time and love.
If you are able to support The Ark of San Juan’s ongoing mission of saving our town’s pets, please contact
them today and say, “Yes, sign me up. How can I help?”
They can be reached at ArkOfSanJuan@cox.net or
949.388.0034. Visit www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.

The League of Women Voters was born more than
90 years ago from the long fight to get women the right
to vote. Since 1992, when league members studied
health care policy, we have worked to ensure access to
quality health care for all. The league also has a strong
commitment and belief that public policy in a diverse
society must affirm the right of individuals to make
their own reproductive choices.
That’s why the league is so deeply concerned about
recent proposals that would allow employers and
health plans to block contraceptive services and discriminate against women.
By a narrow margin, the U.S. Senate recently
defeated an amendment that would limit access to
contraception for women if any employer or insurance
plan has an undefined “religious or moral objection” to
it. This open-ended invitation to cut back on preventative health care services would turn back the clock for
women and for American society.
We understand that not everyone agrees with the
league on this subject. But we strongly believe that
public institutions, including schools and hospitals that
receive substantial federal assistance, should not limit
the health care choices available to their employees.
Institutions that serve the public at large should not
impose their own views but should respect the conscientious decisions of each individual.
The League of Women Voters believes that all
persons, regardless of gender, should be eligible for
preventive health services. Allowing employers to
exclude contraceptive services is discrimination based
on sex, and it’s wrong.
RETURN CHILDREN TO FOREFRONT OF EDUCATION
—Terri Mostert, San Clemente

The articles that are being written about Capistrano
Unified School District are only a glimpse of what is
happening in our school district today. Funding, layoffs
and waivers for class size increases are only a minor
setback in the tragedy we as parents are facing. The
school district has relinquished its job of educating
The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

—Shirley Stewart, San Juan Capistrano

children and is now more concerned with employment.
Teachers are not pursuing a career in education, but
a union job that protects their own financial interests
above children’s needs. The union asked its members
to vote on the option of raising class size and a subsequent reduction in force, or make personal contributions to health care benefits. The union has voted to
support the district’s proposal of class-size increases.
The majority of educators have given up their love
for children and accepted a love of money. As a teacher
and parent, I am uniquely aware of both sides. However, I am a teacher that believes the students come
first. I would not and will not support a plan that puts
our children at risk.
Many parents agree with me. Yet, we feel that the
information is not disseminated adequately and makes
it difficult for us to have an informed voice.
I ask you to please help us, parents and children in
the Capo Unified. Assist us in returning our children to
the forefront of education. Thank you for your support
of our young scholars.
Page 10

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the
paper, e-mail us at letters@thecapistranodispatch.com or
send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach,
CA 92624. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit
reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for
the claims made or the information written by the writers.
www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX
JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

Should Capistrano be more ‘Business Friendly?’
Understanding the process requires a look from start to finish

I

watched with interest
in the City Council
Chambers as Councilman Derek Reeve asked
his colleagues to take a
look at Capistrano’s commission process, in an
attempt to make the city
Jonathan Volzke
“more business friendly.”
In more than 15 years of watching our
council, I’ve heard that before.
Not that it’s not worth taking a look.
Mayor Larry Kramer appointed himself
and Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor to a
subcommittee to investigate the issue.
And to be honest, Capistrano has some
10 commissions, including a Cultural
Heritage Commission, two parks-related
panels (Parks, Recreation and Seniors
Committee and an Open Space, Trails
and Equestrian Committee) as well as
commissions dedicated to transportation, planning, design, bond oversight,
youth, housing and utilities.
They’re all made up of volunteers,
some who are experts on their topics
but all who want to be involved in their
community. Development projects generally pass through each commission on
their way to City Council, although the
commissions are all advisory — except
for the Planning Commission, which has
some legally mandated powers.
So what to do about them? Would it
be more “business friendly” for projects
seeking council approval to be able to
avoid some of those meetings? Some
cities don’t have anywhere near as many
commissions, and some City Councils

– such as Laguna Hills – also serve as
their community’s planning agency,
thereby eliminating the need for a Planning Commission.
But is it really easier for business?
The projects would still face the same
issues of building trails and impacts
on cultural heritage and traffic, and
certainly Capistrano’s issues – with its
centuries of history and Native American villages – can be more complex than
those in other communities. And we all
know, sadly, first-hand how complicated
traffic is in Capistrano, with the town
bisected by a freeway, railroad tracks
and creeks. Add in that a major route
through town – The Ortega – is a state
highway, and you’ve got far different
challenges than say, Aliso Viejo, which
doesn’t even have a traffic commission.
It’s probably better to address those
issues earlier in the process rather than
later. I know it’s better for a developer to
face some of our commissioners when
they’re in a position to give advice on a
project, rather than have them arguing
against a proposal before the council.
Honestly, I’m not sold on a couple of
key premises here. Is Capistrano truly
not business friendly? I suspect developers in the vast majority of Orange
County’s 34 cities would contend they’re
not business friendly enough. And
when I look around town, stuff seems
to be getting built. Big stuff. Before
the economy dumped, we saw Rancho
Madrina – 126 homes – built. We saw
the Ortega Ranch business complex go
up at Ortega and Rancho Viejo Road, as

well as the Mammoth Equities buildings at the north end of town. We saw
developer SunCal get approval for 416
homes at the south end – it wasn’t our
fault bankers were making land-use
decisions there.
Yes, In-N-Out is building in Rancho
Santa Margarita, where they only
have two commissions – Planning and
Economic Development, but that was
because the majority of the former Capistrano City Council didn’t want another
drive-through restaurant on Del Obispo
Street. And I bumped into a woman the
other day whose family is suing Capistrano because of delays and errors that
derailed her family’s plan for a medical
building. The commission process did
drain the project, she said, but errors
by city staffers sank it. Sounds like the
story the Scalzo family could tell. The
issues that led to the city paying them
$6.9 million over the botched development plan for their property didn’t have
anything to do with commissions, either.
And that, to me, is the issue. If the city
wants to be more “business friendly,”
the city should first define that term.
Does that mean moving projects more
quickly? How long does it take to get
a project before its first commission in
San Juan Capistrano compared to other
cities? How long does it take a project to
get approved? How long should it take?
Would speeding the process sacrifice
quality?
If city leaders decide it takes longer
than it should, then maybe the commission process needs to be examined. But

not in a vacuum. Look at the entire process, from when the developer submits
and application to the approval.
But maybe “business friendly” means
how much the process costs a developer – and certainly a longer process
costs more. But Dana Point doesn’t
mandate business licenses, while Capistrano does. Would it be more “business
friendly” to eliminate business licenses?
And Capistrano was certainly “business
friendly” when it waived some utilities
fees to get the Marriott built – but now
the Utilities Commission, grappling with
a multi-million-dollar deficit – is asking
how Utilities will be repaid for that fee
waiver as the bed tax from the hotel
floods the city’s general fund.
Capistrano has new leadership at
City Hall in City Manager Karen Brust,
and I’ve heard nothing but great things
about her. She and her team could truly
investigate whether Capistrano could –
and should – be more business friendly,
but the process should start like any
development project – at the beginning.
Brust has already made some internal
moves in that direction – and maybe
the next step is some sort of survey of
developers to see what they think, along
with a survey of other cities to see how
they handle projects.
Putting the commissions in the crosshairs so early in the process just isn’t …
friendly.
San Juan Capistrano resident Jonathan
Volzke founded The Capistrano Dispatch
in 2002 and is now a senior account
manager for Faubel Public Affairs. CD

ith another colorful, successful Swallows Day Parade down
in our history book, I want to
thank the members of the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association - led by Steve
Weeks - for their fine work in putting on
the 54th Fiesta de las Golondrinas. They
had more than the usual share of bumps
in the road, including the equestrian virus, new rules on the carrying of pistols
and other issues, but they handled all
of these challenges admirably and kept
their eye on the ball of coordinating
many special events. I had the pleasure
of attending most of them including the

Page 12

Kid’s Pet Parade, Taste of San Juan, El
Presidente Ball and the highlight of the
celebration, the Swallows Day Parade
and Mercado. Unfortunately, I missed
the Fiesta Grande and Hoosegow Day
thanks to other commitments but I
know those events, too, were done
in grand San Juan style. Every event
I attended was well organized and a
whole lot of fun. So, my hat is off to
the wonderful, hardworking men and
women volunteers of the San Juan
Capistrano Fiesta Association. I am
already looking forward to next year’s
celebration. CD
www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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Boys & Girls Club of
the South Coast Area
Introducing the
Boys & Girls Club
of the South Coast
Area’s PLAY
GREAT Summer
Program! Offering more than 25 summer programs
including athletics, arts & crafts, computers, games,
field trips and special events at a low ($30 annually)
or no-cost to our members (small additional fee for
field trips). The Club is located at 1304 Calle Valle,
San Clemente. Summer program runs June 25 –
August 31st. hours are M-F 7:30am – 5:30pm.
949.492.0376. BeGreatSanClemente.org.

Camp Broadway Bound

Courtesy of Camp Broadway Bound

Acting Academy
for Kids
Summer Performing
Arts Camps. Ages
Served: 3-13. It’s time
to watch your star
shine! Campers are
guided through a full theater-immersion experience
via four daily classes (music, art, acting and dance),
and the culminating event will be a Friday performance on the main stage at Camino Real Playhouse!
A child can participate for one week, the entire
summer, or anywhere in between! Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano,
714.747.4915, www.ActingAcademyforKids.com

Boys & Girls Clubs
of Capistrano Valley
From June 25 to
August 31, 2012 your
child gets to BE a Chef,
BE a Scientist, BE Active, BE a Friend, BE a
Kid and BE much more
here at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.
The Club is open Monday- Friday from 7am to 6pm.
Members are separated by age 5 & 6, 7 to 10 and 11
& up. Please view www.bgccapo.com. or call (949)
240-7898 for price breakdown.

The #1 Musical Theater
Camp in South OC! With a
New Themed Musical Show
every week, we combine
games (to build acting skills and self esteem), crafts,
music, dance and FUN! Camp meets M– F from 9am
to 3pm daily with a big Camp Show EVERY Friday
night! Runs July 9th -August 24th! Join us for one
or two weeks or the entire Summer! No Experience Necessary! Last summer we sold-out before
school let out, so RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
949.388.3846, www.BroadwayBoundOC.com

Capo Beach Christian
School Summer Quest
Summer Quest is a faith
based day camp run by
certified teachers with loving hearts. Each day brings
hours of creative play, new
friendships, character building and exciting adventures.
With weekly beach days,
pool days, park days and field trips to fun places like
Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, county fairs, and water
parks, you will never hear those dreaded words,
“I’m bored.” The small teacher-child ratio insures
safety and quality care. Located in Capistrano Beach.
949.496.3513, www.capobeachchristianschool.org

City of Dana Point
Summer is almost here, so plan
your children’s summer activities
early. The City of Dana Point will
be offering the following camps:
Abrakadoodle Art, Wildnerness
Adventures, Engineering with
Legos, Irish Soccer, Golf, MultiSport or Basketball. www.danapoint.org/recreaton
or 949-248-3530.

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City of San Clemente
Summer Adventures!
The City of San Clemente’s
Summer Adventures have arrived and everyone is invited!
Explore over 300 classes and
events for the whole family
available online now! Visit the
new Vista Hermosa Sports
Park and San Clemente Aquatics Center to discover
new camps and events including Family Camp Out,
Guard In Training, Parents Night Out, Synchronized
Swimming and Active Adventures Camp. There is
something for everyone! For information and registration, logon to www.san-clemente.org/recreation
or call 949.429.8797. Like us on Facebook www.
facebook.com/sanclementerecreation!

Cola’s Surf Camp
Cola’s Surf Camp is located in San
Clemente at Poche Beach and is
an excellent site with good waves,
a sandy bottom, and a safe
environment for learning to surf.
Mitch Colapinto, Founder and
Director of Cola’s Surf Camp, has
shared his passion for surfing and knowledge of the
sport with thousands of students during his 13 years
as a surf instructor and 19 years as an elementary
school teacher. For more information, please visit
colassurfcamp.com.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing
& Whale Watching
Sundays are all about
the kids at Dana
Wharf Sportfishing.
Dana Wharf hosts a
free kids fishing clinic
Sundays at 12 noon, children of all ages will enjoy a
30 minute dockside clinic where they will get hands
on experience with fishing rods , reels, live bait , knot
tying and one on one time with the captain and crew
members, in addition, Dana Wharf gives away great
prizes. The clinic is followed by a half day fishing trip,
kids are also free when accompanied by an adult!
For more information please call Dana Wharf at
949.496.5794 or www.danawharf.com.

Danman’s Rock Camp
Build confidence,
improve performance skills and
make new friends! Danman’s Music School in Dana
Point is offering weekly music camps for kids this
summer. Camps start June 25 and run thru middle
of August. Each camp includes learning to play in a
band, soloing and playing secondary instruments,
and an end of camp concert for family and friends.
Camps are 10am - 1pm Monday thru Friday. Drinks
and snacks included daily. Totally fun and gives
your child musical skills over and above their peers.
24699 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949-496-6556

iStock Photo

Emerald Cove Day Camp
Emerald Cove Day
Camp is committed
to shaping character, skills, relationship, and faith. ECDC offers two-week long sessions
of creative and outdoor fun in a nurturing, Christian
faith-based environment. Exceptional staff members
serve as counselors, activity leaders, and role models. Activities include archery, horsemanship, team
games, creative arts, nature, exploration, field trips,
singing and small group discovery. Session 1: June
25-July 6, Session 2: July 9-July 20, Session 3: July
23-August 3. Open to kids ages 5-10. 949.361.3077,
www.emeraldcovedaycamp.com

Etnies Skatepark
of Lake Forest

iStock Photo

At over 62,000sf of concrete
paradise, this is the award
winning premiere skateboard
facility. We offer a wide variety
of skateboard lessons, classes,
summer camps, video camps, band nights, and even
awesomely affordable birthday parties. Check us out
on the web www.EtniesSkatepark.com or follow us
on Twitter or Facebook. 949 916 5870. Located at
20028 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630.

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JSerra Aquatics
JSerra Aquatics is excited to host
Swimming and Water Polo Camps
for girls and boys 1st-8th grade.
Come train this summer with
American Record Holder Mary
McLaughlin, Olympic Silver Medalist Julie Swail-Ertel and International Water Polo
Player Paul Cruzan. All experience levels welcome!
Three sessions to choose from. All camps are
located at the beautiful JSerra Aquatics Complex,
26351 Junipero Serra Road San Juan Capistrano.
For more info please contact jertel@jserra.org or
714.478.2018.

The Julie Foudy
Soccer Camp

iStock Photo

The Julie Foudy Soccer Camp
for Girls ages 8-16, is proud to
be returning to Mission Viejo,
July 9-12th, for our 17th year!
We offer campers a unique
full-day (9am-3pm) experi-

ence highlighted by fundamental training, leadership
development, and teaching and mentoring moments
from some of the most successful women soccer
players and coaches in the game! Staff includes current and former college players, professional players,
college coaches, and National Team players. For more
information: www.juliefoudysoccercamps.com.

Mission San Juan
Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano
offers summer programs
the entire family can enjoy,
including weekly activities
and summer camp programs
for children. The weekly craft
activities are geared towards
kids ages 6-12 and will run from June 25 through
Aug. 31. The summer camps include a two-week
Ceramic Clay Camp, as well as the popular Adventure
Sleepover: Night at the Mission. And for the “big” kids,
the Mission offers its Music Under the Stars concert
series, the shows being held in the beautiful Mission
Courtyard every other Saturday starting July 7.
For more information all on the summer fun, go to
missionsjc.com or call 949.234.1300.

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OC Academic Chess
Academic Chess is a nonprofit organization that
specializes in teaching the
game of chess to children.
We use fun stories, a giant
chess set, and outside
games to immerse each student into a learning
environment that’s both fun and exciting! Classes are
designed for both new and continuing students! Sign
up today for one of our camps! Starting Dates: Marblehead (Mon-Thurs): 6/25, 7/30, & 8/20. Bergeson
(Mon-Thurs): 7/9, 7/23, 8/6, 8/13,& 8/27.

history summer camps. Campers can study marine
wildlife in our labs, take a cruise aboard our research
vessel Sea Explorer, or even step back in time to the life
of a tallship sailor in the 1800s. Camps are suitable for
kids/teens 5 to 17 years old and include week-long day
camps and overnight adventures. 24200 Dana Point
Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274,
www.ocean-institute.org

Orange County
Water Polo Club
Orange County Water Polo
Club (OCWPC) starts forming boy and girl athletes at an
early age, combining a potent
combination of teamwork,
training and discipline with
fun. We are currently practicing at Vista Hermosa Aquatics Facility in San Clemente. Our Coaching stuff is in
the water with the kids teaching the proper fundamentals, body positioning and water polo swim
technique. For more information please contact us at
www.ocwpc.com or call us at 949-769-4038.

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Red Tide Swim Team
Red Tide Swim Team is a novice
summer team open to all 4-16
years olds who can swim! Under
SVCS Coach Bert Bergen, swimmers are taught strokes, dives,
and turns in an environment
where everyone is welcome.
Swimmers learn to compete, earn ribbons, and have
FUN! Dates: June 12-August 1 at JSerra HS, 3pm
Tue-Fri. Contact redtideswimteam@gmail.com or
291-1659 for info. Must enroll by 7/6. Want early
practice or JG training? Spring clinics start 5/19!

SC United Soccer
San Clemente United are hosting
their fourth annual skills camp in
town August 13-17th from 9am-11am,
Monday through Friday. The camp is
for 7-14 year old girls and boys. Work
with professional coaches from the
EPL from clubs such as Manchester United, Swansea
City, Newcastle United and Celtic. Registration details
are available online at www.scunited.org or contact
Chris Murray on 949-547-0439.

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St. Andrew’s
by-the-Sea
At St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea
United Methodist Church
Sky Vacation Bible School,
children don’t just hear
about God’s love; they experience it through a variety of
mediums, including crafts, games, drama and an opportunity to serve others in the community. Traveling
through the week’s activities, the children go deeper
into their understanding of God. Most importantly,
children learn that everything is possible with God.
July 23-27 from 9am – Noon, with a special “Sky”
worship service with the children on Sunday 7/29.
Tuition: $50/child. 949.492-2537, www.sabts.org

St. Anne School
St. Anne School offers three
programs for Summer 2012:
Summer Knights Summer School,
Day Camp and Sports Camp.
With flexible programs, available
from 7am to 6pm daily, we have
everything covered for a summer
of fun, adventure, and learning,
including our Jumpstart Series, science, field trips,
sports, and more. Visit our website: www.st-anne.org
or call us at 949.276.6700. St. Anne School is a
WASC and NAEYC accredited, National Blue Ribbon
school, oriented to the family and dedicated to the
development of the whole child.

San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Club has a summer
program for all levels of juniors. 10 one week sessions begin June 25. Full day camps, half day camps
and hour classes are available. Tournament and high
school level players will meet in the afternoons at
2pm. Pro shop stocked with Babolat rackets, and
accessories. Nike and Babolat shoes for everyone.
Custom stringing is also available. 949.492.1515,
www.sjtennis.com.

Summer Soul Surf Camp
Volcom presents: Summer
Soul Surf Camp, located in
San Clemente at San Onofre
“Surf Beach”. Week long
day and overnight camp
programs for boys and girls
ages 9–16. CPR / first aid certified instructors are
experienced surfers committed to being role models
both in and out of the water. Spend your summer
surfing morning and afternoon sessions. Learn to
play the ukulele and eat S’mores by the campfire
with your friends. www.summersoulsurfcamp.com,
800.522.1352.

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Tstreet Volleyball Club
Tstreet Volleyball Club
trains over 350 athletes between the ages of 9 and 18,
and is recognized as one of
the top clubs in the country.
Conveniently located in the spectrum district of Irvine,
Tstreet offers a full range of position specific, general
skills and sand camps / clinics throughout the summer. All participants, whether beginning or advanced,
are placed in serious learning environments. Experienced coaches, led by two-time Olympic gold medalist and club owner Troy Tanner, teach proper volleyball
mechanics in competitive, fun drills. 949.305.8083,
info@tstreetvolleyball.com.

Waterbabies
Swim School
Waterbabies Swim School is
located in the heart of downtown
San Clemente at 142 Avenida
Granada. Our parent and me
classes are not only a great time,
good for your babies brain growth

and motor development, but are also a vehicle for
creating water safety from a very young age. Children
older than two years can attend a class without a parent in the water, and will appreciate the warm inviting
atmosphere, and loving teachers. Ph: 949.488.2512,
Fax: 949.258.2506, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

YMCA Camp
Join us for ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
at the Y! What better way to start
your summer than at the YMCA
Summer Camp? Each day of camp
comes packed with fun and excitement! Children will get to make new friends, go on
adventures, field trips, special events, and participate
in sports, themed events, and activities in a structured and nurturing environment. Our experienced
staff is dedicated to making your child’s summer
stimulating and memorable. Visit ymcaoc.org or
call 949.940.1100 to register today!

GETTING
OUT

YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

THE LIST

A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and
around town this week. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

“THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN
DROOD” AT SJHHS 7 p.m.
Students of San Juan Hills High
School present the play in the
school theatre that will feature a
different ending every showing
on the dates: April 26, 27, 28 and May 3, 4, 5. Tickets online.
29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.5900,
www.sjhhs.org.

28

WAG-A-THON 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation presents its annual doggie social gathering with a 4k
walk, Bowser Bazaar, treats, contest, demonstrations and
more all at the Dana Point Harbor on Dana Point Harbor
Island. Admission $35. More info: 949.595.8899,
www.petprojectfoundation.org.
SAPPHIRE FOOD FAIRE 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chef Azmin of
Sapphire Laguna and others host a farmers market and
culinary experience with a collection of fine foods and farmfresh produce at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. 31641 La
Novia, San Juan Capistrano, 949.261.2216.
The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

PET ADOPTION 12 p.m.-4 p.m. The Ark of San Juan will
be at PetSmart in the SJC Costco center with rescued cats
for adoption. 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EXPO 9:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. Special event to teach families what to do in
an emergency, held at Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day
Saints. 310 Avenida Vista Montana, San Clemente.
LOS RIOS HISTORIC GARDEN TOUR 10 a.m.4 p.m. First annual event featuring a tour of gardens in
the Los Rios District led by experts; held again Sunday
12 p.m.-4 p.m. 31661 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano,
949.606.6386, www.losrioshistoricdistrict.com.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE: COMPOST PRODUCTION
AND USE 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Ecology Center teaches
you how to turn organic waste into valuable resources by
composting. Free. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano,
949-443-4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.

sunday

tuesday

TOMORROWS ARTISTS
TODAY 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Casa
Romantica features an exhibition
of works by local high school
and middle school students, on
display through May 31. General admission: $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente,
949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

SAN CLEMENTE CHORAL SOCIETY SPRING
CONCERT 7 p.m. Concert titled “Songs From the Heart”
with music on the subject of love held in St. Andrew’s bythe-Sea Methodist Church. $12-$15. 2001 Calle Frontera,
San Clemente, 949.429.1151, www.SCCS-Arts.org.

sunday

DANA POINT GRAND PRIX
OF CYCLING Professional
cyclists, amateurs and kids race
bikes along a criterium course
through downtown Dana Point.
Event includes fun for the entire family, with a vendor expo, food, beverages and more.
More info: 949.248.3501, www.danapointgrandprix.com.

THE ’60S AND ’70S COME
ALIVE WITH RITA WILSON
Rita Wilson is well known as an actress (Sleepless in
Seattle) and a film producer (Big Fat Greek Wedding) but few
may be aware that her early show biz ambitions were actually musical. Born and raised in the Hollywood Hills, Wilson
harbored dreams of becoming a singer in the 1960s and ’70s
after falling in love with The Beatles, The Mamas & the Papas
and The Supremes, among others.
What was the prompt that motivated you to launch your
debut album AM/FM?
Wilson: I have always loved singing. When I did the musical Chicago on Broadway playing Roxie Hart it reignited that
love. After that, I had an idea to do a musical using songs
from the sixties and seventies. I ended up making an album
first instead of doing the play.
The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

Rita Wilson. Courtesy photo

How did you decide what to include on your debut
album AM/FM?
Wilson: I was looking for songs that told stories. I
remember being in the back of my parents’ car, listening to
Page 16

CURIOSITY CARTS 10 a.m.-12 p.m. A hands-on
learning experience for kids 5 and older with replicas of
mission artifacts used by the Juaneno Indians at Mission
San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300,
www.missionsjc.com.
GOOD NEIGHBORS CLUB OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY 11 a.m. The ladies group meets at Irons in the Fire
for lunch, an entertaining program and to discuss local
groups of interest. 150 Avenida Magdalena, San Clemente, 949.361.0586.

wednesday

GHOSTWALKER COUGAR IN THE SANTA
ANA MOUNTAINS
7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Informative presentation about
the elusive native cougar
at the RMV Presentation Center as part of The Reserve’s
“Spring Series” of wildlife presentations. Donations welcome. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778,
www.theconservancy.org.

EVENING NETWORKING MIXER & FOOD TASTING
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The San Juan Chamber’s “Taste of
South County” mixer with food from local restaurants held
at Independence Bank. 32291 Camino Capistrano, San Juan
Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.
*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar”
at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.
Have an event?
Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com

AM radio and imagining what life would be like when I was
old enough to have a boyfriend. The AM songs had such an
innocence to them, a joy and purity. The FM songs dealt with
the singer songwriter’s experience, which was more personal
and illustrated a more experienced point of view on love.
How is performing live music on stage different for you?
Wilson: I love having a band. The camaraderie is truly
wonderful. I have never toured, so that’s different. It’s also
much more naked. I’m not creating a character. It’s just me,
out there, hoping you like the show.
What’s next on your agenda?
Wilson: I have some live shows coming up that I’m very
excited about. Two movies I have done, Jewtopia and Kiss Me
will soon be released. I wrote a script for a movie called Terms
of Embarrassment for FOX 2000 that I hope to get made this
year.
The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, Wednesday, May 2. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8
p.m. Tickets are $15–20. CD —A.J. Bardzilowski
www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Is Internet Dating a Viable Option for Singles age 50 to 80?
Online success possible, but often requires a thick skin

M

ost questions I receive from singles
age 50 to 80 involve the Internet.
The most recent came from Anabella: “I’m 57 and hope to find the right
one in my life after 23 years divorced. I’ve
been trying to date online but no luck.
What do you think of meeting online?”
For people in the 50- to 80-age range,
meeting online is a mixed bag and such
a vast topic that entire books are written
about it. This week, two women help answer Anabella’s question by sharing their
experience.
Patty, 16 years divorced, said, “Your
columns and books have inspired me to
never give up. I’ve met nice men and notso-nice men on the Internet. I’ve had a few
long-term relationships, one long-distance
relationship (not a good idea) and have
had my heart broken.
“In spite of it all, I’ve learned a great
deal about myself and remained optimistic
and open while taking good care of myself
physically, emotionally and spiritually. I
see so many folks my age (62) just give
up, gain weight and sit on the couch and
watch TV. They become reclusive and bitter and generally unhappy people.
“I wish folks who complain would realize that they have a life to show up for. If
you don’t have a partner, get out there
and live your life, get fit, get interested in
things that you like to do and get involved.
Go to www.Meetup.com and find an activity that interests you and attend an event
or meeting.
“Two months ago, I met a fantastic
man, and we are head over heels. I met
him on eHarmony, my least favorite site.
It’s expensive, which makes me think
that people on here are really looking for
a true relationship. My new friend is the
kindest, most caring man I have ever met.
“He lost his wife suddenly three years
ago after a 30-year marriage. So far no red
flags, and I have been out there a long
The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

time and know what to
look for.
Another woman,
Pat, 73, went on www.
bikerkiss.com as sort of a
joke because a friend had
just purchased a motorcycle. There, she met Len:
“We are over seven years
ON LIFE AND
LOVE AFTER 50 into our relationship.
By Tom Blake
We have lived together
for most of that time and enjoy our life together. There were times when I thought
being on the Internet was a waste of time.
There are a lot of men out there that are
just looking for sex, money or someone to
take care of them. There were some notso-good dates, mostly coffee and lunch but
I always went into it with an open mind.
“Internet dating may not work for everyone, but it worked for us. He was new to
the Internet dating scene while I had been
on for a while. When we met, we found we
had many common interests and we really
liked each other. The rest followed.”
For age 50-plus singles, to achieve success in dating takes a huge commitment of
time and effort. Internet dating should be
just one aspect of a single’s quest to find a
mate. One needs a thick skin to deal with
the rejection, rudeness, cheaters, liars,
scammers and people with malicious intentions. And yet, many older singles have
had success with Internet-dating.
In 2009, I published a book titled, “How
50 Couples Found Love After 50” to give
older singles hope that meeting someone is possible, and to show them how
older couples found love. Several Orange
County couples are featured.
More than half of the stories are Internet-dating success stories. Granted a few
of the couples are no longer together, but
more than 85 percent of them are. That’s a
pretty good number.
The book is available as a hard cover

book or as an e-book on Amazon.com.
However, if our South County readers
stop by Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana
Point deli, and purchase a sandwich, I will
autograph a free copy and answer their
Internet-dating questions.

Page 18

Tom Blake is a San Clemente resident
and Dana Point business owner who has
authored three books on middle-aged dating.
For dating information: www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. To comment: tompblake@
gmail.com. CD

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Call of the Wild Comes to Mission San Juan Capistrano
By Stacie Galang
The Capistrano Dispatch

ove is in the air at the Mission San
Juan Capistrano.
Leaders at the Mission decided
to start piping out the courtship calls of
male cliff swallows to attract the birds
once known for their annual return on
St. Joseph’s Day.
“We’re so excited,” Christina Haakenson, Mission spokeswoman, “It’s pretty
cool.”
In mid-April the cliff swallows vocalization experiment began at the suggestion of ornithologist Charles Brown,
a cliff swallows specialist who has lectured at the venue. “When he was here
last, he made a professional recommendation,” Haakenson said. “Since it had
such low impact at Mission San Juan
Capistrano, we thought, ‘Why not?’”
So recently, when the weather’s nice,
the Mission plays a recording between 9
a.m. and 4 p.m. The experiment will run
about six weeks during the swallow’s
mating season and their flight back from
the South America where they winter in
northern Argentina and Uraguay.
The idea is to bring the birds back
to nest in the upper reaches of the old
church. Nests haven’t been seen in
recent decades.

L

Mission San Juan Capistrano started broadcasting male courting sounds of swallows to attract the birds to
nest in the old church. File photo

A professor at the University of Tulsa,
Brown has studied the birds for more
than 30 years. He found some of the
courtship recordings online and provided them to the Mission.

Brown made sure the chirpings were
in fact the courtship sounds versus
others like an alarm call that would have
the opposite of the desired effect.
“When you study the birds you notice

the differences,” he said.
Brown didn’t know off hand the last
time a nest was spotted at the Mission
but said some had fallen when the old
church was retrofitted in the 1990s. He
first started coming to speak about the
swallows in 2000, and no nest remained.
The attempt to bring the birds back
will be a challenge because the species
has dramatically declined in the area.
The swallows are naturally drawn to
tall structures, like the old church, and
more of them have been built in recent
years, he said. Tall trees, not native to
the area, also confuse the birds.
“The hope is that as the birds are
passing over, it will entice them to fly
down, and then they’ll see the church,
the old stone church, and then decide to
stay,” the professor said.
Years ago, the structure towered over
a prairies landscape, said Brown who
has seen images of the church from 100
years ago.
“It looked like a big cliff, in essence,”
he said. “Now, there’s so much building
and urbanization and growth of these
really big trees and it’s completely
changed the landscape.”
Enthusiastic bird spotters at the Mission have snapped photos of birds and
sent them Brown’s way, but none has fit
the bill. CD

Earth Day Event
Draws Local Students
By Stacie Galang
The Capistrano Dispatch

ees, local fruit and solar products
converged on San Juan Capistrano’s seven-hour Earth Day event
today at the city’s gymnasium.
Twenty-four vendors attended the
city’s 11th annual fest, giving away
recyclable bags and other items to
schoolchildren who trickled through
the venue. The vendors also shared
ways students could conserve and help
preserve the planet.
“We try to mix it up so it’s interesting,” said Ziad Mazboudi, event organizer and San Juan’s senior civil engineer.
“There are teachers that come every
single year.”
Patty Kingston, who teaches a split
second- and third-grade class at Del
Obispo Elementary, said she brings
her students every year. She estimated

B

The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

that about eight classrooms of students
would walk from the Camino Del Avion
elementary school to the Earth Day
event.
“It’s a great outing for the kids,” she
said. “They love it.”
The children especially enjoyed
receiving food and gadgets from the
booths, including strawberries from
South Coast Farms at the Ecology Center’s booth and flying discs from CR&R
Waste and Recycling Services, Kingston
said.
“Each of the booths gives them really
good things,” the teacher said. “They do
appreciate it.”
Brennon Flahive of the South Orange
County Waste Water Authority talked to
students in Stephanie Edinger’s kindergarten class from Del Obispo Elementary spoke briefly about the work the
authority does to keep water clean. CD

Jeff Davis of the Ecology Center quizzes students in Patty Kingston’s second- and third-grade class on the
fruits and vegetables they could identify in his basket. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

As regular season play
winds downs, San Juan
Hills High faces Sea View
League rival Trabuco Hills
High in an away game.

It’s been a tough start to
2012 for the Galaxy, but
the team hopes to turn
its fortunes by pulling off
a win against FC Dallas.

Info: sjhstallions.com

Info: www.lagalaxy.com

Trio of JSerra Seniors
Commit to Colleges

BASEBALL

Twins vs. Angels,
Angel Stadium
April 30, 7:05 p.m.
Following five games
on the road against the
Rays and Indians, the
Angels return home to
start a series with Minnesota.
Info: www.losangeles.
angels.mlb.com

VOLLEYBALL

SOFTBALL

Stallions vs.
Cougars,
San Juan Hills High

U.S. Men vs.
Argentina,
JSerra Pavilion
April 29, 2 p.m.

April 30, 3:30 p.m.

The U.S. Men’s National
Indoor Volleyball Team
plays Argentina in
exhibition matches at the
state-of-the-art JSerra
Pavilion.

After their previous
match-up was postponed, San Juan Hill’s
girls meet Capo Valley
High on the diamond in
late season Sea View
League action.

Info: jserravball.eventbrite.
com

Info: sjhstallions.com

SJH BOOSTERS TO HOST GOLF TOURNEY

T

he San Juan Hills Stallion Boosters
will hold a golf event at San Juan
Hills Golf Club Friday, May 18 to
benefit the athletic program. The Stallion Golf Classic will feature a Mexican
buffet dinner to go along with a silent
auction and of course, the golf.
Prizes will be offered for the first-,

second- and third-place teams but the
one prize everyone will be gunning for
is the hole-in-one contest. If any of the
competitors cards an ace during the
round, the player will win a new Infinity.
The entrance fee is $150 per golfer or
$500 per foursome. For more info, email
mkcrowe1@cox.net. CD

STALLIONS CELEBRATE APRIL SUCCESS

A

pril proved positive for San Juan
Hills High.
Not only did the Stallions usher
in a new era with the grand opening of
its aquatics facility April 23, but the high
school celebrated a playoff berth and a
much-deserved league victory.
Boys volleyball also earned a spot at
CIF playoffs with their win over El Toro
April 19 and placed second in league
with a 3-1 win over Aliso Viejo April 25.

Hailey Prescher will play volleyball for Florida Southern College and signs her intent letter with her parents
and coaches. Courtesy photo

The Capistrano Dispatch

TARTANS TO BASK IN LIMELIGHT
OF ANGELS STADIUM

T

hree JSerra student athletes —
Sunness Jones, Hailey Prescher
and Kyle Willis — picked their next
destination for both an education and
their chance to compete at the highest
level in their respected sports.
Jones, the Lions’ softball team captain,
is headed to Swarthmore College in
Pennsylvania where she is considered
the school’s No. 1 recruit.
“I am so excited to see all my hard
work over the last 13 years to have
amounted to something tangible,” Jones
said in a news release.
Primarily used as a pitcher, the senior
appeared for the Lions in 16 games this
season, logging a 3-10 record. She also
batted an impressive .393 and knocked
in 12 RBIs.
Willis was JSerra’s top distance runner
this past year and has committed to the
The Capistrano Dispatch April 27–May 10, 2012

The Stallion boys tennis program
won its first ever league match versus
Laguna Hills April 19, according to the
school’s athletic website. The varsity
team won 10-8 and the junior varsity
team won 12-6. Varsity singles won
eight of nine sets and Dillon Kohler
and Graham Thomas won two of three
doubles sets to steal the win. For
more information, visit sjhstallions.
com. CD

S

Surrounded by her coaches and parents, JSerra
senior Sunness Jones commits to Swarthmore
College in Pennsylvania. Courtesy photo

University of California, Irvine to run.
Prescher, a standout volleyball player
for the Lions, will have to the southeast
next fall when she heads to Florida
Southern College.
“I’m excited, even though it’s far away
from home,” Prescher said in a news
release. “I will miss my team [at JSerra]
and coach [Katie Wildermuth], she is
like a sister to me.” CD

t. Margaret’s student athletes
from four different teams will be
honored Tuesday, May 1 in front
of a crowd that will be a little bit bigger
than they are accustomed to.
Come Tuesday, several Tartans will
be on the field and under the bright
lights of Angel Stadium to take part in a
CIF ceremony that acknowledges teams
with the highest grade point averages in
their respective sports.
The CIF has chosen the Tartan wrestling, girls golf, girls basketball and girls
track and field squads to come onto
the field in a pre game ceremony to be
acknowledged before the Angels play
the visiting Minnesota Twins.

Page 22

The girls basketball team’s GPA
stands at 3.85, the girls golf team at 3.73
and the girls track and field team at
3.74.
The Tartan wrestling team, which
has undergone a revival lately, sent six
wrestlers to CIF this year and boasts a
3.625 collective GPA.
To qualify for the award, teams had
to have a collective GPA of at least a 3.0.
There were 1,323 entries submitted.
Although the entire team will be
there, one coach and one player will be
selected from each Tartan team to go
out onto the field and soak in the applause from the thousands that are sure
to be in attendance. CD
www.thecapistranodispatch.com